Webb Peachblow: English Shaded Art Glass

Webb Peachblow is a type of shaded art glass produced by Thomas Webb & Sons of Stourbridge, England, from the mid-1880s. This elegant glass graduates in color from a deep rose or cranberry red at the top to a pale cream or ivory at the base, created through careful manipulation of heat-sensitive glass containing gold chloride. Webb's version, sometimes called "Peach Glass" or "Peach Bloom," was part of the broader peachblow craze that swept the decorative arts market in the 1880s, inspired by the record auction price achieved by a Chinese peachbloom-glazed vase at the Mary Morgan sale in 1886.

Identification & Marks

Webb Peachblow may carry an acid-etched "WEBB" mark or be unmarked. The glass is distinguished by its smooth color graduation from deep rose/red to pale ivory/cream, achieved through the reheating of gold-ruby glass. The glass may have either a glossy or satin (acid-etched matte) finish. Webb's Peachblow tends to show deeper, richer coloring than comparable American examples by New England Glass Company or Mt. Washington. Some pieces feature applied decoration in contrasting colors (applied flowers, branches, or threading). The heavy, quality feel of Webb's glass and its characteristically smooth color transition are primary identification features.

Types & Forms

• Vases: The most common form, in gourd, bottle, bulbous, and cylindrical shapes, from 4 to 12+ inches
• Rose Bowls: Spherical vessels with crimped tops
• Ewers: Decorative pouring vessels, often with applied thorn or reed handles
• Tumblers & Finger Bowls: Tableware pieces showing the color graduation effectively
• Cruets: Small bottles with applied handles and stoppers
• Fairy Lamps: Night light shades and bases
• Scent Bottles: Small perfume containers, sometimes with silver or gilt fittings

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

Color quality and graduation are the most important value factors. Rich, deep rose at the top transitioning smoothly to clear ivory at the base indicates premium quality. Pale or washed-out coloring reduces appeal. Satin-finished pieces should retain their original matte texture without worn areas. Chips are serious defects, particularly at rims and applied decorative elements. Applied handles, thorns, and flowers must be intact; missing applied decoration is a major detractor. The glass surface should be free of scratches and abrasions. Stoppers on cruets and scent bottles must be original; replacement stoppers diminish value.

Collecting Tips

Webb Peachblow is more scarce than its American counterparts (Wheeling Peachblow, New England Peachblow) and generally commands higher prices for comparable forms. The depth and richness of Webb's coloring is a distinguishing feature that collectors prize. Pieces with applied decoration (threading, flowers, prunts) demonstrate additional craftsmanship and bring premiums. Satin-finished examples are more common than glossy, but both have strong collector demand. Compare Webb Peachblow with related shaded glass types (Webb Burmese, Mt. Washington Peachblow, Wheeling Peachblow) to understand the relationships between these contemporaneous products. Display pieces where the color graduation is visible and appreciated. Pairs or sets of matching pieces are exceptionally desirable. Authentication relies on glass quality, color characteristics, and form comparison with documented Webb production.